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GOALKEEPER
HT: 5’6”
WT: 220
Born: 07.02.1980 in Anchorage, Alaska
Hometown: Spring, Texas
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP7

COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"Keith has been our GK since the 2004 Paralympic Games. He has excelled as a shot stopper. His kicking and distribution qualities bring a different dimension to the game for us, in both range of play and variety. He possesses bravery and does not mind putting himself on the line to make the critical save."

Q & A with Keith

When did you first begin playing soccer? In 1985.

How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I contacted the USOC. I heard about it on TV.

What is your most memorable moment with the team? Walking into opening ceremonies in Athens, Greece to represent my country and seeing a sold-out stadium was one of the best feelings. I felt very privileged and honored to be part of the team.

What was your first soccer club? Fairfield-Suisun Soccer Club.

What do you feel is your strength as a player? Knowledge of the game, and my long and hard kicks.

What do you feel is your weakness as a player? Conditioning.

Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? Zack Thornton.

What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? I have learned to depend on my teammates, to focus as a team, and to be a team player.

What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? It takes a lot of working hard, focusing on your goals, and wanting more of yourself on the field. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

How has playing with the team positively affected your life? I've traveled to places that I wouldn't have had an opportunity to go to if I wasn't on the U.S. team.

Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I coach soccer, and work part-time at Pizza Hut and Reliant Stadium. I am hoping to start college this fall. I got married in Dec. '07 and she is my life. She is very supportive of me and my goals.

What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? My goal is to work on getting my undergraduate degree and to obtain a law degree. I want to be able to provide for my family and have a good life for us. To be an example to others and show them that it doesn't matter what happens in life, you can overcome any obstacle by working hard and focusing on your dreams.

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted to the rest of your life, what would you spend your time doing? Play soccer and spend time traveling with my family.

Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? Both of my parents and my grandparents, with their honor and loyalty in their military service.

Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? My third grade teacher, Mr. Haight.

Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? Mr. Haight, because he always believed in me and always told me that I could do whatever I put my mind to and not use my disability as a crutch.

What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? Being in a military family we had to move around quite a bit so I had to learn how to meet new people and let them get to know me.

Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? My parents have been married going on 28 years and I have a younger brother (Adam) who is 3 years younger than I am. I have three children, my son Jekiah who is 7, a daughter Jessica who is 3 and my youngest son Brian who is 2. I also have a great set of in-laws and gained a brother- and sister-in-law. They have two kids, my niece (MaKenna) is 7 and my nephew (Hayden) is 12. Nephew Kenneth who is 7 as well.

Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? My favorite places I have traveled is Athens, Greece and Rio, Brasil. My favorite place I have lived was Fairborn, Ohio.

If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? To think before I act and make sure my decisions benefit the rest of my life.

If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? Denzel Washington.

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? I would want to fly.

Do you play any musical instruments? I have played the trumpet since I was around 9 years old.

If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? My favorite types of music are Christian, country, R&B and jazz. Sonic Flood, 3rd Day, Newsboys, Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, Michael W. Smith, Boyz 2 Men, Rocky soundtrack, John Williams, Praise and Worship.

What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? I was born with a disability, but it's up to you how you handle it in life. I don't let my disability run my life or hold me back from the things I want most in life.

What is your favorite quotation? "Strive for Excellence"

Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? My grade point average in Jr. high and high school.

Please share anything else about yourself that wasn't covered above. I found my blue-eyed, blond-haired southern belle, who is my life-long friend and supporter. Together we make a great team!